The Ministry of Tourism is promoting the national tourism sector, working on ways to make the country an attractive destination to hold international events such as meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE).

The Deputy Assistant for Market Development for Europe, the Middle East, America and Africa, Nia Niscaya, said here on Monday that the ministry continues to promote the growth of MICE tourism industry. The International Banking Conference held in Bali from April 29 to May 2, 2016 was one such MICE tourism activity. Hundreds of bankers from 14 countries, who are members of the Mashreq International Bank based in the United Arab Emirates, participated in the conference.

The Ministry of Tourism is targeting a growth of 10 percent in MICE tourism by 2019, leading to US$ 2.5 billion worth of earnings. Currently, MICE tourism claims a mere five percent of the total national tourism sector. According to Nia, events such as the International Banking Conference will help the MICE-based tourism in Indonesia to grow. "Usually, participants in such events bring along their family members and stay longer for a holiday in Bali," she said. Participants in this conference had come from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Nepal.

Nia hoped the conference will help establish Indonesia as an international MICE destination. Data obtained from the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) in 2014 showed Indonesia was 42nd in the world with 76 international meetings. Meanwhile, Singapore was ranked 29th with 142 meetings; Malaysia 30th with 133 meetings; and Thailand was at 33rd position with 118 meetings.

In the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions, Indonesia was ranked 12th, Singapore sixth, Malaysia seventh and Thailand eighth. The government expects to push Indonesia to eighth position in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions by 2020.(*)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) plans to visit Turkey to develop partnership in strategic industry and economy with the country, Foreign minister Retno Marsudi said here on Monday at the state palace after a meeting prior to the presidents visit to Turkey and Germany.